The Theater Bug shares message of hope with 'The Barefoot Children'

Sarah Feldman in 'The Barefoot Children in the City of Ward.'

The Theater Bug shines a compassionate light on children with severe illness with the new piece "The Barefoot Children in the City of Ward."

Set in a hospital's pediatric oncology unit, the all-ages show highlights the magic and strength of a child's spirit. It's a joint effort with Gilda's Club, which provides support, education and hope to those affected by cancer. Several families enduring such challenges have helped create characters and shape the script, and at least a couple of affected kids will have cameos in the production.

The goal, says artistic director Cori Anne Laemmel, is to teach the youth involved with The Theater Bug that the arts and performance are about "more than just showing off. ... They really can do something through their talents and hard work."

The piece runs Jan. 31-Feb. 10 with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. The Feb. 2 show serves as a fundraiser for Gilda's Club, and the Feb. 9 show, while open to the public, is free for Gilda's Club members. The Theater Bug is at 2618 Gallatin Pike. Tickets are $10, $5 for children. Details: www.thetheaterbug.org.

- Fiona Soltes, for The Tennessean

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The Theater Bug shares message of hope with 'The Barefoot Children'

The Theater Bug shines a compassionate light on children with severe illness with the new piece 'The Barefoot Children in the City of Ward.'